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THE FAMILY and friends of Rangers fanatic Garry Lynch have called on all fans to buy Rising Stars tickets and aid the Rangers Youth Department in his memory. Garry sadly passed away earlier this month and his family - wife Elaine, son Garry and daughter Angela - have been astounded by the support they have received from the Rangers Family. After discussions with friends and fellow Rangers fans, the idea of helping the Rangers Youths, which as many people know was one of Garry Lynch's favourite pastimes, came to the fore. Son Garry said: "After initial discussions with the Rangers FC Development Fund we have agreed to raise money for the Rangers Youths by promoting sales of the Rising Stars Half Time Draw which in turn guarantees money going towards the Rangers Youths this would be a great way to honour my Dad's memory and something I know he would have loved to see happen. "We hope to achieve a record payout on the day of the Motherwell match 11th April 2009 not only for the Rising Stars but also to be the largest payout in football circles in the UK." Rising Stars tickets can be bought online via the Rising Stars link at http://www.rangerslotto.co.uk or by calling 0141 427 4914. Tickets can also be obtained before home games or in person from the Lotto Office, 2nd Floor Broomloan Stand, Ibrox Stadium or by sending an email to lotto@rangers.co.uk

Ruthlessness Requiredââ?¬Â¦ As the realisation that we are now back on top of the SPL finally dawns on Rangers fans everywhere, it is the realisation and the plans to stay there currently residing in the minds of our managerial staff that holds the key to determining if we are to finally end the famine on SPL titles. This is the time for ruthlessness, for relentlessness, for self-confidence, for taking charge of our destiny, for our management staff to install this into our players and ensure that no self-doubt or negativity sneaks into their minds. However, how is going to ensure that negativity doesnââ?¬â?¢t sneak into our management teams heads? That could be the greatest obstacle that we have to overcome in the title run-in. We are now in a position of strength, sitting proudly on top of the SPL, the time has come for us to become ruthless and relentless in our pursuit of the SPL title. We have the squad of players to secure the title, we have the skill to secure the title, we have the goal-scoring talent to win the title and we are certainly mean enough in defence to win the title. Do we have the ruthlessness? I certainly believe that we do, and the management team require to install this in our players. We travel to Hamilton on Saturday just as they have stumbled onto a decent run and are also inform. However, even given the above and given that undoubtedly, this game will be a test, if we approach the game in the correct manner, impose our strength and quality on proceedings, we have a fantastic opportunity to put pressure on a creaking Celtc before they entertain St Mirren. There are 12 games remaining in the SPL title race and we must take this unforeseen but hugely welcome chance of securing our first SPL title in far too long. After losing to Celtc, I donââ?¬â?¢t think any of us could have predicted that we would be allowed back into contention, never mind finding ourselves in pole position with 12 games remaining. Rangers teams of yesteryear would have seized this opportunity by the horns and would have steamrollered their way, and anyone who stood in their path, to the title. It is that steely determination and self believe that must be installed in this squad of players. Logically, there is nothing to stop us going on to win the title. All we have to do is match Celtcââ?¬â?¢s results over the next 12 games. We have the natural talent required and now we need the likes of Barry Ferguson, Pedro Mendes, Steven Davis, David Weir, Kris Boyd and Kenny Miller to step up to the plate and drag then team by the scruff of the neck whilst dictating the pace of every game we play in. If we impose ourselves in the correct manner in the remaining games, our goal will be achievable. Last season, we capitulated in the run-in and whilst the fixture list was partly to blame, so was the fact that the players didnââ?¬â?¢t respond in the correct manner and our manager decided that the cautious approach that was successful in Europe would also see us secure the SPL. How wrong could he have been. We cannot allow this type of negativity to creep into our play and approach this season so to that end, lets hope and pray that the management team have learned a valuable lesson. In retrospect, we could and should be in an even more healthier position as we could and should have taken full points from our recent visits to Parkhead and Pittodrie. The defenders of our tactics in those games will point that the points gained were good points as we are now top of the SPL. However, of he had been more positive and won both those games, we would still be top of the SPL and there would be distinct daylight between us Cetlc. Our Support And Our Role I find it frustrating to have to pen this type of article, one that has a pop at Rangers fans, but after witnessing Rangers going top of the SPL on Saturday without support from the stands left me with a bitter taste in my mouth. TBO apart, no one at Ibrox appears prepared to actually support the team off a Saturday now. There is little or no singing (again TBO apart) and it was embarrassing at the final whistle when there couldnââ?¬â?¢t have been more than 5,000 fans left inside the stadium to cheer the players off the pitch after them clinching top stop. Can I ask a serious question? Why do people go to Ibrox if itââ?¬â?¢s not to support the team? Is it me thatââ?¬â?¢s wrong in believing that vocal backing is part of the remit of being a supporter? Ask any Rangers player, or any ex-Rangers player and they will tell you that we are an extra-man. We can have an influence on what is happening in front of our eyes and what is developing on the pitch. Our vocal support can add an extra half-yard to a players pace, it can add to their determination. Given that, and given that our team will require every little advantage going in our quest to regain the SPL title, lets rediscover our voices and our passion for singing those glorious Rangers anthems and lets give the team some much needed and deserved SUPPORT. I have to say that this is aimed at the support generated (or otherwise) at Ibrox, as the away support have, as always, been nothing short of outstanding this season (given the obstacles and barriers that they encounter and off course, the press coverage that they attract). Their Support And Rangers' Response A mere 9 seconds into yesterdays game at Fir Park, the massed Celtc support chanted their first (of many) sectarian / offensive song. These sectarian / offensive songs were unrelenting over the course of the entire game. In fact, Lanarkshire Police were forced to enter the stands housing the travelling fans and were clearly shown evicting many fans singing these horrible and vile songs. Given that above, is it fair to say, and with some certainty that the SPL observer will have heard these songs, seen the Police ejecting Celtc fans and include this in their report? Can we look forward to Reporting Scotland and Scotland Today highlighting the above and showing the lyrics of the songs along the bottom of our TV screen? Can we expect the papers being full of condemnation and pleading with the SPL to dock Celtc points? Can we expect a week full or condemnation on the phone-ins? Can we expect, all we actually crave on this matter, parity? Off course, we all know that the answer to the above is a simply ââ?¬Ë?noââ?¬â?¢. Given that, what course of action would you like to see our club / custodian take? This is a perfect time for them / him to come out on the offensive. Personally, if I were in charge, or had any influence in what our response in this matter, I would invite the heads of sport from the BBC and ITV to Ibrox and show them a video of yesterdays game. I would then ask them of they had any plans to highlight the singing issue and if their answer was ââ?¬Ë?noââ?¬â?¢, I would politely thank them for their time and inform them that until they show parity, their organisations would be banned from Ibrox and wouldnââ?¬â?¢t be gaining interviews with our players or management staff. They would also be informed that until they showed parity, there would be a weekly article on Rangers World showing any sectarian or offensive singing NOT perpetrated by Rangers fans and showing that this wasnââ?¬â?¢t being highlighted by the media. I would then contact the editors off all Scottish newspapers and inform them the same. Then I would ask for a meeting with the SPL and ask to read all the reports from this weeks SPL games. If none of these reports show any mention of sectarian or offensive singing, I would show the SPL the video of yesterdays game and ask why their observer failed to mention obvious sectarian and offensive singing? I would then ask them if the observer who missed this obvious singing would be sanctioned for not doing their job correctly. If the SPL didnââ?¬â?¢t show signs of parity, I would inform them that Rangers FC would not be handling tickets for any further away games, or for semi-finals that Rangers appear in. Added to that, Rangers FC would be seeking to meet with all their Rangers Supports Clubs with a view of a blanket boycott of all away games (which would be shown at Ibrox free of charge). We are being bullied in this matter, and its easy for a bully to pick on a victim that is scared or wonââ?¬â?¢t retaliate. Once a victim shows some courage, the bully will inevitably find a new victim. Fighting someone who actually fights back isnââ?¬â?¢t something that a bully will do for long, it at all. All of the above isnââ?¬â?¢t rocket science and wouldnââ?¬â?¢t take long to implement. If done properly, it would ensure that parity was obtained and obtained quickly. All it takes is a Chairman with a back-bone who actually cares about the public image of his club and itââ?¬â?¢s fans. The bullies would soon run off and find another victim. Cammy F -

I guess everyone noticed that Rangers changed from their traditional black socks with red tops to an all red sock (or stocking, if you are old fashioned like myself) at Parkhead on Sunday and the official line was that the black socks clashed with Borat’s socks (however, both teams have white shorts, strange that one). Anyway, I am going to assume that I will be in the vast minority hear, but I prefer Rangers to play in red socks, however, my preference would be to have these topped with white. Now, this isn’t a lily-livered liberals response to the outlandish and bizarre claims by Celtc supporters that we only wear black socks, topped with red to signify that we are ‘up to our knees in ****** blood’. Like all of their eccentric claims against us, this just doesn’t stand up to scrutiny. The line ‘up to our knees in ****** blood’ is from a song that glorifies The Billy Boys, a Glasgow gang from the 1930’s. The song itself wasn’t truly sung until much (decades) later and a quick trawl through old Rangers photographs will show that Rangers played in black stockings with red tops as early as 1907 (please refer to the excellent Rangers blog site - http://blogs.myspace.com/glasgowrangers1873 for a extensive selection of historical Rangers team photos). Anyway, I’m digressing, back to the red stockings. The reason I prefer these is probably due to the fact that when I was becoming ‘aware’ of the Rangers, seeing them in newspapers, magazines and match programmes left lying around by family members, Rangers were then wearing red and white socks (this would be around 1973ish- see below). I can also remember getting my first Rangers strip for Christmas around this time. Back then, the strips came in a packaged box and the RFC crest and number had to be ironed/stitched on (I had Number 9 and thought that I dreamed I was Derek Parlane as I ran around the back garden). To me, this will always be the classic Rangers ‘look’. However, Rangers would soon change back to the traditional black and red socks and would continue wearing these until the arrival of Graeme Souness where he reverted back to the red socks (much to my approval I may add). Again, as this was a wonderful era for all Rangers fans, especially those who had suffered previously, this could also explain why I prefer the red socks – it heralds me back to a greater time, an exciting, exhilarating and ambitious time where Rangers seemed to ‘come alive’. This is a rather whimsical look at something that many may not feel worthy of megabyte of space in hyperspace, whilst others, like myself will believe that these small things are important and part of our history and heritage. As far as I have been able to gather, traditionally, we adopted stockings in black with red tops as these are the colours of the burgh of Govan. Nothing more sinister than that and a nice touch to the citizens of our home burgh, but it’s a pity that they hadn’t adopted red and white as their colours. Cammy F – Blue, White & Red Loyal

Rangers fans sceptical of SPL agenda The Rangers Supporters Trust has questioned the motives of the Scottish Premier Leagueââ?¬â?¢s unacceptable conduct policy as it awaits the latest report on fansââ?¬â?¢ behaviour, this time during last weekendââ?¬â?¢s Old Firm derby. SPL match delegate Alan Dick may mention some sectarian chants and songs that appeared to come from the away support during Sundayââ?¬â?¢s goalless draw at Celtic Park, but RST spokesman David Edgar is hoping for a balanced verdict, and insists Rangers fans are not alone in singing ââ?¬Ë?offensiveââ?¬â?¢ songs. Dick reported Rangers to the SPL in August 2007 under similar circumstances following the Ibrox clubââ?¬â?¢s trip to Inverness and, while there was no action taken, there was a warning of sanctions should there be any future complaint. Rangers have campaigned in recent years to rid the club of its sectarian baggage but the SPL would come under pressure to punish them if they are presented with evidence of more transgressions. However, Edgar has said another black mark against the supporters would leave the SPLââ?¬â?¢s agenda open to question. ââ?¬Å?While it is difficult to comment until weââ?¬â?¢ve seen the report, we are looking forward to an even-handed and consistent approach to the application of this legislation,ââ?¬Â Edgar said. ââ?¬Å?We find it hard to believe that Rangers fans are the only fans in the country who have ever sung an offensive song; yet we are the only ones who have been reported under the rules. ââ?¬Å?There were instance of distasteful chanting coming from both ends on Sunday but, yet again, the focus is only on one set of fans. ââ?¬Å?It therefore becomes very difficult for the supporters to understand what is going on. ââ?¬Å?Are the rules genuinely in place to eradicate offensive chanting or simply to punish Rangers? ââ?¬Å?What about Aberdeen fans singing about the Ibrox disaster or Celtic fans singing about Nacho Novo and the IRA? ââ?¬Å?We are committed to ridding Scottish football of all genuinely offensive chanting and Rangers fans have responded magnificently over the last couple of years. ââ?¬Å?However, we are left with wondering if this is a rule for all the SPL clubs or a rule simply for Rangers.ââ?¬Â Rangers escaped punishment for the Inverness affair after the SPL board took into account the clubââ?¬â?¢s efforts to eradicate unacceptable conduct by some of their supporters. The incident at the Caledonian Stadium 18 months ago came just nine days after the launch of Rangersââ?¬â?¢ ââ?¬Ë?Follow With Prideââ?¬â?¢ campaign, which was aimed at cleaning up the clubââ?¬â?¢s image by ending sectarian and other abusive chanting. However, the club had previously been fined on two occasions by Uefa for offensive chanting in Champions League and Uefa Cup matches, amounting to in excess of Ã?£21,000. Rangers assistant manager Ally McCoist played down speculation that the Ibrox club will be up on yet another SPL charge. McCoist, who will take control of team affairs for tomorrowââ?¬â?¢s Homecoming Scottish Cup trip to Forfar, said: ââ?¬Å?I donââ?¬â?¢t know enough about it. ââ?¬Å?I donââ?¬â?¢t know what the delegate said in his report; Iââ?¬â?¢ve not seen anything so I wouldnââ?¬â?¢t comment on it.ââ?¬Â http://www.irishtimes.com/sports/soccer/2009/0217/1224241324757.html

Another splendid article in the STS series - this time from Tannochside Bear who discusses the existing flawed links between the club and RSCs and how these can be improved. http://www.gersnetonline.co.uk/newsite/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=752&Itemid=2 As part of the 'Setting the Standard' series of articles, I would like to discuss the role of Rangers Supporters Clubs (RSCs) in todayââ?¬â?¢s game, the links between them and the club, and how we can get the best working relationship between them. At the moment, all official RSCs are registered at Ibrox through the Worldwide Alliance (WWA), with claims of over 600 registered clubs and a membership of 30,000 supporters. From within this comes the Rangers Supporters Assembly, with 10 elected representatives taken from the Worldwide Alliance. There is also the Rangers Supporters Association, the much longer-standing organisation which used to distribute tickets to RSCs for matches both at Ibrox and away from home. Sadly, this has diminished much in recent years, forcing it to sell their headquarters within the Wee Rangers Club to pay off itââ?¬â?¢s debts and now has only around 20 member clubs. RSCs take many shapes and forms throughout the world. From the many Glasgow based clubs with decades of history behind them and a million stories of follow following, to the many overseas RSCââ?¬â?¢s that show games in clubs and pubs for exiled Bears all over the world. I personally have been a member of a Glasgow based RSC for 20 years, 10 of which as part of their committee, so I really believe in the value of the RSC and have some experience of how they are run. RSCs in this country are mainly run with one primary function: to arrange travel and tickets for Rangers supporters to follow the team. The clubââ?¬â?¢s contact with RSCs throughout the course of the season almost entirely consists of ticketing issues. Most RSCs will know very little about the WWA, when it has meetings in its area, who are the area representatives, and what it is there to do for them. Outside the UK, they are mostly social, a gathering of supporters to watch the game together at all hours of the day and night. We all know that the current situation does very little for either party. It gives virtually nothing to the RSCs and the club gets virtually nothing back from them. The club certainly undervalues the power of the RSCs to influence fan thinking. Not only does the club have to do more for RSCs, but the reverse is also true. The best example of this was when the club was under fire in the Spring of 2007 for ââ?¬Å?The Billy Boysââ?¬Â. The club desperately wanted the fans to stop singing it after UEFA effectively outlawed the song. The club tried everything it could to get the fans to stop. Finally they appealed to a couple of the well known RSC chairmen to see if they could do anything. After a hastily arranged meeting of representatives of over 60 RSCs held in April 2007 in the Wee Rangers Club, an agreement was reached to get members of RSCs to ââ?¬Å?self-policeââ?¬Â in this area. A policy that was worked extremely well and continues to work to this day. So what changes can we make in order to set the standard in this area? There are 3 questions that I want to look at in this topic. 1. What can the club do for the RSCs? Issue a membership card for all members of an RSC. The card gives them a small discount in the club shop, (online for overseas members) stadium tours, etc. Not too much that it costs a fortune, more a token gesture to make them feel part of the family. Use the clubââ?¬â?¢s buying power to have deals in place with certain companies to give RSCs some good deals. Perhaps with a clothing manufacturer to give the best prices on RSC polo shirts and flags. Individual RSCs all go off and get their own polo shirts done. Let the club be part of it. The club will make a small commission, and the RSCs all get a good deal. Give RSCs the option to seat their members together at Ibrox. This will of course help the atmosphere at Ibrox as well as binding the RSCs more together as a group. Negotiate strongly with other SPL clubs for a larger allocation for matches. It appears we do not actually want more tickets for games as it is too much bother for us to deal with them for not much reward. This is not the standard we should be setting. We must put the interests of our fans first. Without them there is nothing. I am quite sure Kilmarnock and Motherwell for example would love to give us more tickets, even share a stand in order to get more fans to the game. For shared stands, the Rangers section would be all family tickets. 2. What can the RSCs do for the club in return? If the RSCs knew that they were getting a fair deal on tickets and that the club were right behind them, they would be far more interested in putting something back. RSCs are well trained in running successful fundraisers. From race nights to sportsmanââ?¬â?¢s dinners to sponsored football matches to just selling scratchcards and much more. The truth is they have to just to survive. I am quite sure that most RSCs would happily run a fundraiser every season with the proceeds being split between their own club funds and the Rangers Youth Development programme, or the museum fund. The club would provide a signed shirt and ball for a raffle at the event, and where possible a player, former player or coach in attendance, this could be a real source of income throughout the year. RSCs are already the clubââ?¬â?¢s best selling tools. Already, many RSCs are agents in the club lotto, raising large sums of money every week. This could easily be expanded upon if the RSCs thought the club were really looking after them and making them feel part of the club. 3. Who is going to do all the work? We need a new organisation who will look after the interests of the RSCs. It would be self-funding from membership dues collected from the RSCs. I would split them into two categories. Ticketing RSCs and non-ticketing RSCs. This means that the RSCs who take tickets every week are treated separately from the RSCs from abroad. The ticketing RSCs would then pay more than the other RSCs. I would suggest ~Ã?£4 per member per year for ticketing RSCs and ~Ã?£2 for non-ticketing RSCs. The RSCs would be easily able to pass this on to their members with their dues if they knew what they were getting back for it as outlined above. I would also reintroduce the Rangers Rally, which would be supported by the club and a large turnout of players, past and present, would be guaranteed. The funds raised would pay for the salaries of the staff whose job it would be to run the organisation. It would take quite some organising to make all of the above work, but with the right Rangers-minded people employed, it would become a professional office that would be the contact for any RSC enquiries and would have its separate ticket office for the distribution of RSC tickets. It would have a committee of elected Rangers fans that would be elected by the RSCs themselves in a postal ballot to all RSCs on a one-member one-vote basis. The staff would be answerable to the committee, and the committee answerable to the RSCs at monthly meetings, and all up for re-election annually. A full record of the minutes would be sent to every club every month to keep them involved, and RSCs would be allowed to send in questions in advance of meetings without having to attend personally. A website with all the up to date information, including a private section for RSC organisers to learn of more sensitive information (financials etc) would also form an important part of this. To summarise, the RSCs are such an important part of our club, our history, our heritage. Most Rangers supporters have used one at one time or another. Most have probably been to a function run by one of them. Most will have seen the banners with the RSC club names on them in various places all over the world. Personally, there is nothing better than seeing the convoy of RSCs thundering out of Dundee or Aberdeen after an important victory. The club should be embracing this collective of (in my biased opinion) the most passionate supporters anywhere in world football, and by working together making things the best they possibly can be for the ultimate benefit of Rangers Football Club.

Rangers fans are well known for their incredible support of various charities whether it be through the official club charity foundation or many different smaller ventures that have been extremely successful over the years. To that end, Gersnet are delighted to announce our support for one such charity. ââ?¬Ë?Moni Malawiââ?¬â?¢ is a new charity set up to create awareness of the plight of the African country and to raise money to assist its people. ââ?¬Ë?Moniââ?¬â?¢ means ââ?¬Ë?helloââ?¬â?¢ in Chichewa, the principle language of Malawi. The charity name therefore translates as ââ?¬Ë?Hello Malawiââ?¬â?¢. Malawi is a landlocked country in southern Africa. With a population of 14 million it is one of the least developed yet most densely populated countries in the world. Per capita GDP is Ã?£450, compared to the UK figure of Ã?£20,000. The country suffers from high infant mortality, low life expectancy, and a high prevalence of HIV/AIDS. As such a group of like-minded football fans met to decide how they could raise money to fund specific projects in areas of need. In setting up ââ?¬Ë?Moni Malawiââ?¬â?¢ they believe that they can make a real difference to the lives of some of the poorest people in Malawi, and indeed the world. Further information can be found on the website by clicking here. The range of skills, experience and contacts available to ââ?¬Ë?Moni Malawiââ?¬â?¢ as a group is encouraging and the charity would welcome like minded individuals to join them in achieving their goals. Their Board of Directors have previously been involved in successful fundraising dinners, and as such their forthcoming Dinner and Dance will form a cornerstone of their fundraising later this month. The charity is also committed to individual projects through the course of the year, in addition to other fundraising ideas which will be updated regularly on their website. The smallest contribution to Malawi can make a big difference and Gersnet would invite you to join us at the Dinner and/or take part in other fundraising activities or sponsorship schemes. The Dinner and Dance is on Saturday the 28th February at the Thistle Hotel, Glasgow with tickets available at an unbelievable price of just Ã?£60. Suffice to say the entertainment on offer is literally second to none. With speakers such as Ewen and Roughie from Real Radio; SFA Chief Executive Gordon Smith; and the inimitable Bill Copeland, there is something for everyone. Add in an exclusive performance from Sandi Thom (featuring some special guests) followed by dancing the night away with the ââ?¬Ë?Republic of Soulââ?¬â?¢ then every taste is catered for. As well as all the entertainment, there will be a superb 4 course dinner as well as a raffle and auction with some superb prizes! Tickets can be bought for the event by pm-ing me. We hope to see you all there! Please note ââ?¬Ë?Moni Malawiââ?¬â?¢ is a registered Scottish charity (SC040141).

RANGERS will never, ever leave Kris Boyd. Thatââ?¬â?¢s why Kris Boyd could never leave Rangers. The prolific Ibrox striker has a written contract until the summer of next year. But his emotional ties to the club will last a lifetime. Thatââ?¬â?¢s how he looks at it. How he wants it. Birmingham boss Alex McLeish came calling during the January transfer window and the hitman could have joined the Championship club in the heart of England. But it would have ripped the heart from him. Today Boyd, 25, talks openly about the transfer which threatened to rock his world. A deal which would have taken from him what he holds dearest ââ?¬â? his beloved No9 Rangers shirt. Ibrox chairman Sir David Murray left the striker shocked, stunned and GUTTED when he accepted a Ã?£4million deal to sell him on. But Boyd turned the move down flat ââ?¬â? because he knew life at Rangers is as good as it gets. He said: ââ?¬Å?I know there will be people out there questioning my ambition. ââ?¬Å?Birmingham is a big club and could be in the Premiership next season. Thereââ?¬â?¢s no doubting that. ââ?¬Å?But for me, if aiming to reach 100 goals for Rangers and playing every week with that No9 jersey on your back isnââ?¬â?¢t showing ambition then I donââ?¬â?¢t know what is. What people need to realise is that everything about me says Rangers. ââ?¬Å?From when I was a kid growing up to right here and now. Nothing has changed. ââ?¬Å?From my bedroom wallpaper and curtains to the tracksuit and jersey that I used to run about in ââ?¬â? it was always Rangers. ââ?¬Å?Thatââ?¬â?¢s not something which changes overnight. ââ?¬Å?Iââ?¬â?¢m not going to wake up one morning and suddenly think the club doesnââ?¬â?¢t mean anything to me. ââ?¬Å?It means everything. To give that up, for ANY club, would be difficult. ââ?¬Å?I simply wasnââ?¬â?¢t willing to pack everything up, leave Ibrox and go play for another team. ââ?¬Å?I grew up a fan and here I am wearing the No9 shirt. Why would I want to walk away from that? It wouldnââ?¬â?¢t have just been sad for me but also my friends and family, the people close to me. ââ?¬Å?Everybody knows I have a good relationship with Alex McLeish and that will continue. ââ?¬Å?He is the man who signed me for Rangers and Iââ?¬â?¢ll forever be indebted to him for that. ââ?¬Å?Who knows, I might work under him again in the future. ââ?¬Å?For me, heââ?¬â?¢s a great manager and someone who has always been very good to me. ââ?¬Å?But I just had to turn down his offer. It wasnââ?¬â?¢t the right thing for me, joining Birmingham.ââ?¬Â Advertisement Boydââ?¬â?¢s goals-per-games ratio makes him one of the most lethal and prolific strikers in Europe. But as far as heââ?¬â?¢s concerned life at Rangers is as good as itââ?¬â?¢s ever going to get for him. He doesnââ?¬â?¢t expect the Premier League big guns to break down the Ibrox front door to sign him. Thereââ?¬â?¢s only one way for Boydââ?¬â?¢s career to go when he leaves Rangers ââ?¬â? and thatââ?¬â?¢s DOWN. He added: ââ?¬Å?I just donââ?¬â?¢t think Iââ?¬â?¢ll move to another club the size of Rangers. ââ?¬Å?I doubt very much that Iââ?¬â?¢ll have the top teams in the Premiership coming for me. ââ?¬Å?If I ever leave itââ?¬â?¢s going to be to a smaller club. ââ?¬Å?Quite simply there arenââ?¬â?¢t many better places for a player to play his football than Ibrox. Add to that the fact that I wear the No9 jersey and it is everything that I ever wished for. ââ?¬Å?Itââ?¬â?¢s an honour for me pulling on that shirt.ââ?¬Â It maybe explains why Boyd has had the full support of the Rangers fans throughout this troubled month. AC Milan brought their biggest names to Ibrox on Wednesday for a glamour friendly. But on a freezing cold night it wasnââ?¬â?¢t Ronaldinho, Kaka or even David Beckham who received the warmest of receptions. It was Boyd. He was cheered on to the pitch as a second half substitute with the striker as popular as heââ?¬â?¢s ever been. But then the supporters have been vocal in their backing of their No9 since the moment that it looked like he could be on his way out. At Hampden for the Co-op Insurance Cup semi-final with Falkirk last week there was a huge banner which read: ââ?¬Ë?No Boyd, no goals, no title (again).ââ?¬â?¢ The striker saw it ââ?¬â? and he appreciated it ââ?¬â? and now he wants to repay them in the only way he knows how. Boyd added: ââ?¬Å?The fans have been brilliant. ââ?¬Å?Every person Iââ?¬â?¢ve spoken to has been supportive of me. ââ?¬Å?Not one person has given me a hard time. That means so much to me and I really want to pay them back. ââ?¬Å?The only way I can do that is by scoring the goals which win them the title. ââ?¬Å?I canââ?¬â?¢t imagine anything better than achieving that by the end of the season. ââ?¬Å?Imagine Iââ?¬â?¢d left in January. How would I have felt looking at the boys winning the league and not being part of that. ââ?¬Å?I would have been delighted for the club but gutted for myself. I couldnââ?¬â?¢t bear the thought of that. ââ?¬Å?We won two domestic trophies last season but the one we really want is the championship.ââ?¬Â But what happens after that? Will Rangers still look to flog the family silver in the next transfer window. Boyd fervently hopes thatââ?¬â?¢s not the case. In fact, he would love nothing more than to open talks with the club and sign an extension to his current deal. He added: ââ?¬Å?Iââ?¬â?¢ve stated that I want to stay with Rangers. ââ?¬Å?If the club want to sit down and talk to me about a new deal that would be great. ââ?¬Å?There is nothing I can do about that. Itââ?¬â?¢s all down to them in this case. ââ?¬Å?All I can do is keep giving my all when I step out on to the park. Thatââ?¬â?¢s my goal.ââ?¬Â http://www.thescottishsun.co.uk/scotsol/homepage/sport/spl/article2210739.ece

AC MILAN star David Beckham accepted a �£100,000 cheque on behalf of UNICEF from the Rangers Charity Foundation's Charity Champion Barry Ferguson at tonight's friendly with the Serie A superstars at Ibrox Stadium. David Beckham accepts a cheque on behalf of UNICEF from Barry Ferguson from the Rangers Charity FoundationFormer Manchester United and Real Madrid midfielder Beckham is currently on loan at Milan from LA Galaxy and has been a supporter of UNICEF since his days at Old Trafford, when he first witnessed the work of the children's charity in Thailand in 2001. He became a Goodwill Ambassador for UNICEF in 2005 when he launched a global appeal for the children affected by the tsunami in South Asia. Last year he travelled to Sierra Leone, the country with the highest under-five mortality figures, to draw attention to the issue of child survival. Last October, the Rangers Charity Foundation announced a ground-breaking collaboration with UNICEF which sees Rangers become the charity's only Scottish football partner, joining other partner clubs on the world stage such as Barcelona, Manchester United and AC Milan. David Beckham, AC MilanFormer England captain Beckham was delighted to learn the Rangers Charity Foundation has pledged to raise �£300,000 for UNICEF in the next three years and that will help fund an education project in India across 15 states, reaching over 45,000 children in over 200 schools. Beckham said: "It's great to be able to accept this cheque from the Rangers Charity Foundation on behalf of UNICEF. As an Ambassador I've seen the impact of UNICEF's work with children worldwide. "The �£300,000 pledged by the Rangers Charity Foundation will make a real difference to the lives of thousands of children across India, giving many the chance to go to school for the first time. This money will help to transform children's lives." Rangers Chief Executive Martin Bain, a Trustee of the Charity Foundation, added: "The club is delighted that UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador David Beckham is backing our efforts to make a difference and recognises the fantastic work of the Rangers Charity Foundation through this partnership with UNICEF. "Today's �£100,000 cheque represents funding for the first phase of the Indian education project and will undoubtedly make a positive difference to the lives of thousands of children. "Both UNICEF UK and Rangers Football Club have strong ambitions for this partnership and will be working closely together during the years ahead to ensure the project's success whilst at the same time promoting our shared humanitarian values." Barry FergusonUNICEF UK Director of Fundraising Fiona Hesselden said: "UNICEF thanks Rangers fans for their generosity and support. "With their continued commitment, our partnership will give thousands of children the chance of a brighter future." Charity Champion Barry Ferguson and Foundation Manager Connal Cochrane will be visiting communities in India who will benefit from the project during the summer. Ferguson said: "The work of the Rangers Charity Foundation benefits thousands of people in Glasgow, across Scotland and throughout the world, showing what a great charitable spirit we have at Rangers. "We are very proud to be associated with UNICEF and I am looking forward to visiting the project in India later this year to see first hand the work being done to help children in local communities." The Rangers Charity Foundation also aims to donate �£100,000 per year to local projects via its National and Community Charity Partners which this season are RNIB Scotland and Fairbridge in Glasgow and through the Foundation's ongoing Rangers Community Grants Scheme

Anyone like chestnuts, especially old ones? I've got one here and I think it's about time it was dealt with properly. It's called The Billy Boys. I recently wrote elsewhere........ For me, the so-called banning of TBB will always be symbolic of two things... 1. The contrived witch hunt against the Rangers community. 2. The disgraceful capitulation of a weak and misguided club leadership. Until and unless it returns, there will continue to be a wrong that needs to be righted. This is a truly seminal issue and must be addressed. I believe this to be true and that there are more important issues involved than will ever be resolved by a purely semantic analysis. I'd like to raise some with the rest of our Gersnet members. It's my opinion that we need to get over this hurdle and be able to sing this song again, even if it is with slightly modified words. However, rather than regurgitate what I've said many times already, I thought I would share the thoughts of another very commited bear who made a project of trying to uncover the well-concealed truth of this matter. He posted the following on another site some time ago ............ apologies, it seems this will cover about three different posts. Right folks, I'll give you my views on things and also feed you some info that I have received so far, I would have preferred to held this info back until further down the line but on second thoughts, given the growing unrest among the support re banned songs/banners etc, i think some of it should be known now so that people can use it as basic facts in the matter. At this point I'd advise you to put the kettle as you are in for a long read ;D Firstly, my views on the (alleged) banning of TBB in all shape and form...... In the aftermath of the Osasuna farce, a meeting was held at Ibrox, in attendance were RST, RSA, and other various bears including GMS. The only person I know of that was there representing the club was Martin Bain. In the course of this meeting (and this info came from GMS), Martin Bain (allegedly) held up and waved about a sheet of paper saying that he had received a letter from UEFA stating that TBB has been banned in all forms including the tune at any game that Rangers are involved in (including games under the jurisdiction of the SFA/SPL). I asked GMS if any of the others at that meeting got to read the contents of the letter and the answer was NO. I also asked if any of the others present had requested or received a copy of this letter, again the answer was NO. Now letââ?¬â?¢s just think about this for a minute and ask some questions. Did the above actually happen as described by GMS? Or Did the club come out with a 'You scratch my back, and I'll scratch your back' attitude and in doing so, ask those present to spread it about that things have happened as described above? Not long after this, all the stuff started appearing about the new SPL/SFA regulations regarding 'Unacceptable Behaviour' that were soon going to be published. It was also being touted that there was going to be a 'banned' list of songs published. I then contacted GMS asking him if he knew of any Rangers friendly solicitors that would be prepared to start asking the club questions with regards to the way the fans were being treated by the club in general on the grounds of Human Rights. My request was completely ignored, he didn't even bother replying. It was at this point that the penny started dropping for me, I began to realise that certain people or certain organisations, despite what they claim, did not have the best interests of the Rangers support at heart. Certain people and groups were only out to feather their own nest or were only doing things for the kudos. At this point I'd like to state that at no point during my subsequent continued correspondence with the club have I challenged TBB (as we knew it) being banned. I know, like the majority of bears that the problem has only arisen through peoples ignorance / lack of knowledge / determination to twist historical facts to suit their own agenda, i.e. giving the perception to the general public that when Rangers fans sing the word '******' they actually mean 'Catholics'. However, I am one of the ones that are prepared to move with the times a bit and accept that there is no longer any place for singing the line 'Up to our knees in ****** blood'. What I have been challenging the club on is the alleged banning in all forms. I am currently trying to get the club to state that the original song (We are the people), which was later ba*tardised to become TBB, is not banned at Ibrox or considered offensive by Rangers and as such shouldn't be sung anywhere. I am also challenging the club on the general welfare of the paying customers (lets face it thatââ?¬â?¢s what we are) being neglected by Rangers as they continually allow customers to be harassed and bullied by Rock Steady or Strathclyde Police without any avenue of recourse. Whilst in the confines of Ibrox, as paying customers, Rangers have a 'Duty of care' towards our welfare but it would seem that they are not interested. -------------------- So moving onto my correspondence with the club and the SFA. I shall post the relevant questions that I have put forward, list the response and analyse. The following snippets are excerpts from the letters received by me as I have not yet scanned these letters onto my computer (scanner is fu*ked). I will at some point in the future scan all documentation for viewing, in the meantime you are just going to have to trust me, if in doubt Sentry and PB can vouch for me just now. I sent off a letter to both Rangers and the SFA at the same time way back in August 07. In my letter to the SFA I asked them to clarify if TBB has been banned by UEFA in all forms in Scotland (as being suggested by Rangers), pointing out that others Scottish teams regularly sing their own versions, some even more offensive than ours. I also asked them if the SFA find the original song (We are the people) which does not contain any offensive lyrics to be offensive, stating that Rangers are claiming that it is the responsibility of the SFA to determine this. In my first letter to Kenny Scott my initial questions were as follows...... 1. Please state clearly (including justification) which songs / chants, normally sung by Rangers fans, are now deemed unacceptable at football stadia throughout Scotland under the SFA / SPL regulations? 2. Please state clearly (including justification) which flags / banners, normally displayed by Rangers fans are now deemed unacceptable at football stadia throughout Scotland under the SFA / SPL regulations? His response was...... ââ?¬Å?1. Rangers Football Club appreciate the difficulties encountered by supporters in trying to understand what is and what is not acceptable under the new guidelines. Despite this however the club is not in a position to state unequivocally which songs and chants are acceptable and which are unacceptable. What we would like to point out is that the Club policy is and will remain that we prefer supporters to sing songs about Rangers Football Club and about football in general. It is not only what the Club thinks is acceptable or unacceptable that matters anymore. Given the interest of UEFA and the SPL in the behaviour of our supporters at games both at Ibrox Stadium and away from home it is the view point of these and other objective observers which can bring the Club into difficulties. What Rangers Football Club would ask supporters is to think about what they are singing and what others may thing of particular songs. Where some people may consider it regrettable it is now the opinion of others which matters on the issue. 2. You also ask me to state clearly which flags and banners normally displayed by Rangers fans are now deemed unacceptable at football stadia throughout Scotland under the SFA/SPL regulations. There is nothing contained in these regulations which specifically relates to any particular type of flag or banner. It has long been the position that flags of any nationality which do not contain any added words or slogans which others may find offensive are allowed in stadia across Scotland. I see no reason why this should change in the future. If you have any difficulties regarding particular flags please do not hesitate to address your concerns to me in order that I am able to discuss the issue with you.ââ?¬Â He also went on to stateââ?¬Â¦.. ââ?¬Å?My final point relates to the final paragraph of your letter in which you indicate that Rangers Football Club have a duty to fully inform yourself and all other season ticket holders of said SPL Regulations. What I can tell you is thei Club more so than any other in Scotland I believe has fulfilled its obligation under the SPL Regulations regarding the issuing of statements and publication of such statements in all match day programmes and similar Club publications indicating that it will not tolerate any form of unacceptable conduct. In addition there has been widespread coverage of the new Regulations in the wider media and the subsequent discussion has been well documented. I do not believe the Club has anything further which it is required to do in regard to notification of supporters in respect of the new SPL Regulations.ââ?¬Â

Do Rangers have a new gem in John Fleck? It is too early to say, but in an age scarce for precocious Scottish talent, the 17-year-old certainly looks something to savour. On Saturday, Ibrox once more rose and paid tribute to the young midfield player, perhaps with gratitude as much as pride, given the way Walter Smithââ?¬â?¢s team toiled to overcome Dundee United. While Rangersââ?¬â?¢ teething problems continue, over on their left flank there remains a rare ray of light. Fleck, blessed with a robust physical presence, has a wonderful poise over the ball, enabling him to skip past opponents, and can also see a pass. He also has bags of confidence, as evident in the way he hungrily grabbed the ball for himself, after Mihael Kovacevic had pulled him down, to shoot home the 76th-minute penalty that set Rangers on course for this win. For Rangers fans there was an obvious downside. Part of the reason for the adulation of Fleck was born of relief, given the sheer poverty of Rangersââ?¬â?¢ approach up until then. Facing a five-man midfield is nothing new these days but Smithââ?¬â?¢s men got into quite a stew trying to find a way past United. Rangers created precious few chances and, as has been the case so often before, an increasingly irate Ibrox crowd let them know about it. Related Links * No worry over lack of Ibrox transfers * Chairman defends Rangers housekeeping * Novo fires Rangers into the final The young man on their left-midfield, however, remained unfazed by it all, and there is going to be excitement around Ibrox at seeing how well Fleck can progress. It wouldnââ?¬â?¢t surprise anyone if Walter Smith chose to rest him for Wednesday eveningââ?¬â?¢s glamour friendly against AC Milan, but his Rangers future looks full of promise. ââ?¬Å?It is scary how good he is,ââ?¬Â Steven Whittaker said of Fleck. ââ?¬Å?Heââ?¬â?¢s got talent in abundance and has shown that he is more than capable of playing on this stage. Heââ?¬â?¢s got a great future ahead of him. John has got that special type of talent ââ?¬â?? he sees pictures in his head. His touch and his contribution are very good.ââ?¬Â An irate Ibrox crowd? How often have we seen this before? Kris Boyd, in particular, became the object of scorn from a section of the Govan faithful. This was one of those classic occasions the striker would sooner forget, when all he does is replenish the ammunition of those who, bizarrely, want him removed from Ibrox. Boyd fluffed at this and fluffed at that as the play bobbled around him and became a desolate figure in the second half as United began to press. And the crowd let him know of it. ââ?¬Å?Four million pounds-worth of mince!ââ?¬Â a voice boomed from the main stand as Boyd ââ?¬â?? the subject of such a bid from Birmingham City ââ?¬â?? was relieved of duty by his manager after 73 minutes to make way for Kyle Lafferty. And as the poor Rangers striker trudged to the touchline, another voice rang out: ââ?¬Å?Aye, Boyd, just you keep walking... right out the front door.ââ?¬Â His manager gave him a heartfelt handshake as the striker sank into the dugout. Smith knows how unforgiving Ibrox can be. Fleckââ?¬â?¢s penalty with 14 minutes remaining, and Laffertyââ?¬â?¢s goal right on the 90th minute, spared Rangers any more angst. United, however, were once more a credit under Craig Levein, and are well and truly the third force again in Scottish football. With Willo Flood having gone, the battle goes on for Levein to keep his squad keen and vigorous with players that have remained under the radar. In such as Flood, Craig Conway, Scott Robertson and Morgaro Gomis, Levein has revealed his perceptive eye for a player, and over these remaining 24 hours of the transfer window he wants to try to acquire a new midfield player for Tannadice. The situation is all the more acute given Robertsonââ?¬â?¢s absence through injury for up to two months. ââ?¬Å?If your team is doing well you have to accept that the vultures will start to arrive,ââ?¬Â Levein said when asked about the loss of Flood to Celtic. ââ?¬Å?You just have to get on with it. My job is to find new players, but there is no doubt these have been a tough three or four days for us.ââ?¬Â Just three days earlier, United had lost to Celtic after 120 pulsating minutes and 24 penalties in the Cooperative Insurance Cup semi-final, but you wouldnââ?¬â?¢t have known they felt drained at Ibrox. While Leveinââ?¬â?¢s side have played better football than this, they remain a force to be reckoned with, on good days or bad. ââ?¬Å?I have some fantastic players and it was a testament to us that we came here expecting to win,ââ?¬Â Levein said. ââ?¬Å?We didnââ?¬â?¢t play particularly well but we worked our backsides off and the game was on a knife-edge for 75 minutes... basically, until their penalty. We were well in it up until then.ââ?¬Â Levein complained that the award against United was ââ?¬Å?softââ?¬Â, yet all the danger was caused by Fleck, who squirrelled into Unitedââ?¬â?¢s box from the inside-left channel and immediately got the better of Kovacevic. The United defender was forced to hastily try to stop the Rangers youngster, and Fleck hit the deck. Soft or not, plenty have been given in such circumstances, and Rangers were grateful to suddenly have their lead. Strangely, United wilted when both Jon Daly and David Goodwillie arrived to make up a three-man attack for the final 15 minutes, and Rangers eased to victory. With seconds remaining, Lafferty was left to prod a shot home from 18 yards after Lukasz Zaluska had saved from Barry Ferguson. Rangers, though, were under no illusions. ââ?¬Å?We were off the pace for an hour, and we struggled,ââ?¬Â Smith said. http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/football/scotland/article5636186.ece

The Wee Rangers Club have come up with some terrific deals to beat the credit crunch over the next couple of months. There is something there for everyone and all the deals are fantastic value. I am sure anyone who has been in the club this season will recommend it to others. Craig & Steve took ownership of the WRC in the summer and they have worked hard at making it a tremendous venue for all Rangers fans. Craig has double figures years of experience in the bar game and Steve is a superb chef who has worked in several top establishments. The quality of the food in the club is outstanding. AC Milan - Wednesday 4th February - 3 course meal for only �£10 with kids at �£5 within the John Brown Suite. Ideal for any bear who is struggling for time getting home from work etc. Valentines Day Dinner, Cabaret & Dance - This will be in the John Brown Suite with a fabulous night of entertainment and the best food in Glasgow available for only �£50 per couple. Don't pay the crazy prices people are asking when you can have a full night of entertainment for only �£25pp. Old Firm Game Live on the 15th February - For those that do not have a ticket for the Brendenbeau why don't you come to down to the WRC and watch the game live with hundreds of fellow bears. Earlier in the season this game was a huge success and the WRC was doing the bouncy into the wee hours. Chef's Special Afternoon - Sunday Roast - 1st March - This is going to be the chef's special afternoon where he is going to offer fantastic selection of food at prices that makes it cheaper to eat in the club than at home. �£12.95 for 3 courses with kids under 12 at half price and kids under 5 eat FREE. For anyone who thinks 3 courses is too much you can have a 2 course meal for �£9.95. Psychic Night - 1st March - This is the much awaited return for the Psychic night that has proved so popular in the past. Tickets are priced at �£10 per ticket. Lets hope we get the news we want regarding this years title. League Cup Final Hospitality - 15th March - The WRC have a hospitality package that will include a 5-course meal, coach to the game and back to the WRC for more food and drinks. A price for this package will be finalised in the next few days. Mothers day Lunch - 22nd March - Rights lads & lassies why don't you take your mum down to the WRC for a fantastic Mothers Day Lunch within the John Brown Suite. At only �£14.95pp this gives you the opportunity to have a great meal with your wee mammy and at the same time show her where all the bears hang out. Match day Hospitality - This has proved to be incredibly popular this season and a number of match days are now sold out. At only �£35pp for a glass of champagne & canap�©s, 5 course meal and then return to the WRC after the game for more food. Cash bar available throughout the day. For more information or to book any of these fantastic offers please call the club directly on 0845 601 1873. http://www.theweerangersclub.com/

This from Roddy Forsyth (I know, I know) in The Daily Telegraph - the heat is being turned up on Murray and his bullshit. David Murray is supervising a careful retreat over Rangers' ambitions. Rangers are still on course for a clean sweep of the domestic honours and have it in their own hands to overhaul Celtic for the Scottish Premier League title and an automatic and lucrative berth in the group stage of next season's Champions League. So why are so many Ibrox supporters so vocally fearful? The answer, quite simply, is the confusing mixture of actions and statements from the club chairman, Sir David Murray, over the course of a bleak month. Murray was in the headlines again this week, having provided his house journal, Rangers News, with a lengthy statement highlighting the virtues of prudent housekeeping, reduction of costs and the nurturing of new players. Since this was a rehash of his declarations at the start of the month in defence of Rangers' abortive attempt to sell top scorer, Kris Boyd, for a measly net gain of around Ã?£2.5 million, what was the point? In this case, look at the timing, not the substance. The transfer scene has been moribund since New Year, but it is a buyers' market and those with money to spend will drive hard bargains as Monday's deadline looms. Rangers have players who are surplus to requirements but, like Woolworth's stock in the latter days of that institution, what is on offer has been gathering dust for months. On the other hand, if Allan McGregor, Barry Ferguson and Boyd attract bids totalling Ã?£10-Ã?£11m this weekend, they will be off, no questions asked. Hence Murray's reiteration of his newfound commitment to an austerity regime in which – dread phrase – "youth is the future". Murray sarcastically observed: "I find it amazing that football scribes question my financial management." Well, a cat may look at a king and it requires no mastery of economics to see the contradictions in the Rangers' chairman's claim that defeat by Kaunas in the Champions League qualifiers had been "a disaster". When Murray plans Rangers' budget each year, he makes a prudent assumption of no European revenue beyond that of the first round of the Uefa Cup. So the difference between projected European income and this season's reality adds up to only two home games. Moreover, Kaunas knocked Rangers out of the Champions League qualifiers on Aug 5 – but after that Murray sanctioned the spending of Ã?£8.6m on Pedro Mendes, Steven Davis and Maurice Edu, in the full knowledge that there would be no further European income. The earlier summer acquisitions of Andrius Velicka, Kyle Lafferty, Kenny Miller and Madjid Bougherra cost Ã?£9.8m. Meanwhile, between January and September Rangers sold Alan Hutton (Ã?£9m), Carlos Cuellar (Ã?£7.8m) and Daniel Cousin (Ã?£1.5m). In total, then, expenditure in 2008 was Ã?£18.4m and income Ã?£18.3m – nothing there to petrify Mr Micawber. Plus the fact, the most recent accounts (to June 30, 2008) reported record turnover of Ã?£64.5m and a pre-tax profit of Ã?£8.3m. True, the overdraft was up to Ã?£21m and is now evidently around Ã?£25m – but debt never frightened Murray, except when he realised that he had allowed Dick Advocaat to become the Scottish football equivalent of Fred the Shred (and to much the same end). However, what does concern him is the health and morale of the other companies in the Murray Group. Murray's executives are famously discreet, but there have been mutinous mutterings about Rangers' place in the chairman's affections. Put simply, their feeling is that when he is asking them to sweat the companies for optimum revenue and profit in torrid trading conditions, the time and energy spent by Murray on Rangers is not only disproportionate, but unseemly. The attempt to get shot of Boyd may have shocked Rangers fans, but it had exactly the opposite effect within the Murray Group. And this is more than gesture politics. When Murray's father went bankrupt while he was in his teens, the future tycoon began his business career selling shirts to schoolmates. In that respect, he had a soul mate in Peter Cummings, who started in the Bank of Scotland at 17 by sweeping the floors and went on to be head of corporate banking at HBOS. But Cummings, a Glaswegian with a native sympathy for football, is one of the scapegoats for the HBOS debacle and lost his position in this month's takeover by Lloyds TSB. Under the new banking regime, there is no question of the benevolent attitude that allowed Murray to remedy Advocaat's excesses by buying up his own rights issue from other resources, as he did for Ã?£50m from Murray MHL Limited in 2004. All of which is a far cry from the bombast Murray once uttered about spending Ã?£2 for every Ã?£1 laid out by Celtic. Napoleon observed that an orderly withdrawal was worth a victory. Murray is supervising a careful retreat with the sensible aim of preserving his empire. Rangers fans, though, are not accustomed to occupying an outlying province. Nor, having been promised cakes and ale, do they have an appetite for powdered egg and Spam – and certainly not if Celtic should uncork the bubbly yet again this season.

RANGERS will honour the 250th anniversary of the birth of Robert Burns this Saturday with the world famous Red Hot Chilli Pipers headlining the celebrations at Ibrox. Kirk Broadfoot with the Red Hot Chili PipersFirst-team star Kirk Broadfoot joined the band at Murray Park today to promote this weekend's activity, The Club is marking the special anniversary of The Bard at the SPL match against Dundee United this weekend when the award-winning pipers perform in his honour in front of more than 50,000 Rangers supporters. In addition, four season ticket holders named 'Robert Burns' will be introduced onto the pitch at half time, there will be a celebratory procession of 30 children around the pitch, the Rangers cheerleaders will perform a special dance routine and haggis pies will be available at the food outlets. The Rangers Supporters Assembly, representing Rangers fans worldwide, have also organised 1,200 giant Saltires and Lion Rampant flags to be displayed in the Broomloan, Copland and Govan Stands. Rangers Chief Executive Martin Bain said: "The Rangers fans have a strong affinity with Robert Burns and we have worked with supporters to mark the 250th anniversary of a true Scottish hero. "Burns is renowned around the globe and as one of Scotland's greatest institutions it is only fitting the Club honours our national poet." The Burns celebrations, which started last week at the Club's Annual Burns Supper, mark the start of a series of initiatives that Rangers Football Club is running as part of Homecoming Scotland 2009.

Police praise Aberdeen and Rangers fans after no arrests had to made when the clubs played. More...

Police praise Aberdeen and Rangers fans after no arrests had to made when the clubs played. More...

We live in a funny time. With most people struggling to survive in a dog eat dog world, there are transfers going on that could bail out most small countries. I got to thinking about what Rangers fans would think if an Arab or Dubai syndicate bought Rangers off of Murray. Most of us would be over the moon with delight, but what many people havent considered is that this syndicate could pull out at any time leaving Man City helpless and facing financial meltdown. So, if a Dubai syndicate wanted to buy Rangers from Murray(and its not an unlikely suggestion as just today an Arab syndicate has shown interest in Chelsea), would you go with it in the short term to gain untold success in sacrafice for long term failure? Imagine tomorrow we are bought by that syndicate. Here are there proposals. 1. unlimited budget to buy the best players in the world. 2. we want Robinho for �£100m, KaKa for �£150m, Drogba for �£20m, John Terry for �£90m, Ronaldo for �£200m, Rooney for �£175m FOR STARTERS. 3. Improve the stadium to an 80,000 seater state of the art facility. 4. for the next five years, to win the Scottish league, gaining Champions league qualification. 5. To win the Champions league at least 3 times 6. To win the World club championship at least once. 7. Try to lobby the authorities to gain membership to the English F.A. 8. Ultimately to win the english premiership and the champions league as Champions of England. If you can imagine all that happened to us. Then, the syndicate pulled out leaving us penniless and we cant get a decent funder, and we spiral back into Scottish football and 10 years without ANYTHING. What would you do? would you take the 5 years of untold success/ Or would you rather we kept trying to build ourselfs up as we are doing the now? Would most Gers fans see that kind of money backing as selling the soul of the club? I wonder what most people would pick?

what do think it is? I dont think im one. I use the internet to voice my opinions about the club for starters! but what would the criteria be to be one of Murrays Rangers fans?

Britney just been on Catolica, quoting Lawwell as having a "siesmic new strategy" relating to identifying & signing the best young talent rather than shopping in the �£4m+ / �£40k/week market. Now I know they are strange creatures over in the East, but this is exactly what many Rangers fans have been discussing recently. Wonder who'll do it more effectively?

Hope it's ok posting this. Date: 21st January 2009 Location: Scotland, United Kingdom Organisation: Vanguard Bears INVESTIGATION OF STRATHCLYDE POLICE Strathclyde Police are currently being investigated by the Police Professional Standards Department over claims that they are discriminating against and displaying political intolerance towards British Citizens resident in Scotland. The investigation is taking place following complaints raised by Rangers fans enraged by a threatening message from Strathclyde Police being shown on media screens at Ibrox Stadium prior to the Co-operative Insurance Cup tie between Rangers and Hamilton Academicals on the 28th October 2008. The message read as follows: "The club, after consultation with Strathclyde Police, have to advise supporters that the singing of 'The Famine Song' may result in those responsible being arrested". A spokesman for Vanguard Bears (a Rangers supporter's organisation) would offer the following comments: "We believe that Strathclyde Police were reacting to ill-informed antagonists within the Scottish society and Scottish Parliament claiming the chant is both sectarian and racist in a blatant attempt at furthering their own anti-British agenda". "The chant, which contains only 4 lines, is used by Rangers fans to mock an element of Scottish society who prefer to consider themselves Irish, who openly support anti-British terrorist organisations that have been outlawed in the UK and who wish to assist in the downfall of a United Kingdom . The song has no religious undertones whatsoever and is not mocking anyone who actually died in the Irish famine. It asks questions of those who state that they wish they were back in Ireland , but fail to return despite being free to go". "Despite repeated requests, Strathclyde Police has not been able to confirm what crime would be taking place or what charge would be brought against individuals who are heard to be making this political statement, yet they seem to think they can still threaten people with arrest. Unfortunately we now seem to be living in a society where British citizens are treated as 2nd rate within their own country, whereas those who openly attempt to undermine and indeed express hate for British society and the British way of life are allowed to do so without reproach. There are supposed to be anti terrorist laws in place to deal with these people, why aren't they being used?" "Rangers fans are being labelled sectarian bigots for being pro-British and patriotic to the country in which they live. Surely logic dictates that those making anti-British statements are also sectarian bigots? We have yet to see threatening messages warning Celtic fans for singing their disgusting songs in support of the IRA. Where are the threatening messages against Scotland fans for singing 'Flower of Scotland' which contains lines that could be perceived as anti-English or for booing our national anthem 'God Save The Queen'? "In this instance, it is irrelevant whether the 'Famine Chant' is deemed sectarian, racist or not. What we are complaining about is the fact that action is being taken against one body of people because of their political beliefs whilst everyone else is free to say and indeed sing what they please without fear of retribution. Until either Strathclyde Police make a public apology to those they have discriminated against or take similar actions against other clubs and their supporters, their action to date cannot be viewed as anything else other than discrimination and a violation of the Human Rights Act 1998". "An online petition was set up on the 29th December 2009 and in 3 weeks it has generated 893 signatures of support to date. The petition can be viewed via the following link: http://www.gopetition.co.uk/petitions/apol...yde-police.html ââ?¬Å?Mr. Kenny MacAskill MSP (Cabinet Secretary for Justice) and Fergus Ewing (Minister for Community Safety) have both been asked to intervene and ensure that Strathclyde Police carry out their duties within the law and display parity at all timesââ?¬Â. VANGUARD BEARS DEFENDING OUR TRADITIONS Link to website here: http://www.vanguardbears.com/index.html

http://www.newsnow.co.uk/A/323733752?-11344 I’m sure we’ve all read with interest over the last week the debate about whether or not Rangers fans ‘deserve better’. I'm also sure not many fans would disagree with that sentiment even if the ‘campaign’ has so far been limited to media criticism without much constructive contributions thereafter. Nevertheless, over the last week since the campaign was launched by the RST, much debate has been had surrounding the principle and the reasons behind it. Indeed, a cursory look at their statement doesn’t show much one can argue about. Our club has under-achieved for the last 8 years and it appears the same financial mistakes have been made (to a smaller scale) than in the early part of this century. Therefore, the RST are quite right to suggest ‘we deserve better’. The reaction to this criticism has been most interesting. Everyone and their lapdogs have had their say on the subject – from wee Chick and big Mark to Walter Smith and Sir David Murray – even Davie Provan has had his say! The papers, phone-ins and forums have been full of talk about the issue and if the RST were attempting to garner publicity then they certainly have been most successful. But surely publicity wasn’t the sole aim of the campaign? After all, if one does want the club to improve then simply complaining isn’t likely to gain the immediate support of the kind of numbers the Trust requires to further their credibility. Further, there have been valid concerns about the arguably premature way the RST have launched the campaign. No consultation with their members, no backing from high-net worth investors and no comments of support from their honorary members – some of whom are ex-players who would have added much weight to their argument. Couple this with a failure to offer any workable alternatives or solutions then the campaign is easily (if erroneously) dismissed or ignored by the majority. I say erroneously because, again, their points of concern are valid. The club does need improvement, mistakes are being made and we are under-performing on and off the field. Therefore, it was most disappointing to read the reaction from key club figures such as the manager and chairman. Instead of accepting the criticism, taking it on the chin and admitting responsibility for the recent mistakes that have been made; more denial and deflection is the result. Deny the problems exist then deflect the issue onto ‘faceless’ internet supporters who are not real fans. Hardly a pro-active reaction when the evidence shows the club can do better. The ultimate result of all this is further division and not the unity the Trust are struggling to provide. Tens of thousands of loyal internet fans insulted and the club retreating further into its shell won’t address Ã?£30million of debt and a 3 year wait for the SPL title. How can we bridge this gap? Well, as leaders of the campaign, the Trust should have expected this result and planned for it. They profess unity but seem incapable of delivering that. They themselves struggle to accept criticism and lack the solutions to increase their small mainly online sourced membership to a level where the offline supporter can appreciate and back their point of view. Not to mention achieve the primary aims they state on their website which seem to have been shelved in favour of a more militant strategy. As such they must go back to the drawing board and provide up-to-date solutions and suggestions for club improvement. References to a 2 year old 15 point plan are all well and good but how relevant is that plan in today’s climate? To pressure the club to improve, they themselves must do better – as must the other supporters’ organisations who are failing their members with under-performance. Meanwhile the club must also take their hands off their eyes/ears and, just once, see where many fans are coming from. Acknowledge the mistakes, take responsibility and provide the improvement requested. Not all of that need take humble climb-downs, apologies or finance we can’t afford. It just takes hard work, imagination and ambition. And don’t forget that the people who have every right to ask questions are the ones that will be buying season tickets in a few months as well as the latest new strips. By all means argue their point but be strong and ask yourself if you can improve the situation. We’re not saying this can be done overnight but there should be a plan of action. The same goes for the fans generally. We can mump and moan our way through games. We can complain about certain players being unable to take a set-piece. We can take umbrage at the club unfulfilling its potential. But, if we’re going to do that, then we should be prepared to examine ourselves and what we offer. Yes, we are the biggest investors into the club – both emotionally and financially – but if we want seats on the board or to own the club then these ambitions must be backed up by intelligent debate. It is on that note Gersnet is launching a new project for fans to get involved in. Yes, we agree with the ‘we deserve better’ slogan but only on the premise that we help facilitate that in a positive sense. Ergo, over the coming weeks, we’ll have a series of articles from our writers discussing many of the concerns raised by the campaign and how these could be addressed. We've got great, constructive ideas we want to develop and present to the club and we're looking forward to debating them with you. We’d also like all our readers to get involved. Comment on the articles using the main site software, join the forums to give your opinion and contact us by email if you’d like to offer more. To that end we hope this project will catalyse change while showing the club that ‘faceless’ internet supporters are capable of more than just sniping. Keep an eye on the site for each article and we look forward to you joining the debate!

In light of our most recent financial problems, culminating in our Chairman stating quite astonishingly that one of our top players would have to be sold in order to balance the books, how many true Rangers Fans would be prepared to assist the club financially, by means of donation, in order to help them out of their current plight? Given the huge numbers of Rangers followers right through the globe I would estimate that anywhere between 5 million - 30million could be raised effortlessly simply by each fan donating as little as 1 pound. 1 pound!! - not even the cost of a cup of coffee these days and to ensure that Rangers rid themselves of their current debt ridden status and make headway into celtics current domination. Mr Murray has already stated on several occassions that he is no longer prepared to dip his hand into his own pocket when the club finds itself in financial difficulty so it's up to us, the fans, to come up with ways to do this. We're now only 2 points behind Celtic and with a further 2 games against them still to play, have a great chance to win this league. Celtic ARE in turmoil - they have only picked up 8 points from the last 18. We CAN win this league and as Rangers fans must get right behind the team and support any ways of doing so. So who would be prepared to donate as little as 1 pound to help achieve this? You're reponses will be very welcome indeed

Just been told that some motivated Rangers fans have made their feelings public. I hope it came across on TV. I'm out of the country tonight and unable to get a link.

Defiant David Murray last night insisted Rangers would emerge from the winter transfer window strong enough to force the title race to go to the wire. The Ibrox chairman also furiously refuted claims that they have become a '' selling club '' revealing much more had been spent in the transfer market over the past five years than had been banked. And as top scorer Kris Boyd put the finishing touches to his �£3m plus add-ons transfer to Birmingham. Murray admitted it was not a deal which Rangers had promoted as they would have preferred he stayed and others were moved on. He conceded however that most players were for sale in the current financial climate as he saught to reduce the first team squad of 28 players and slash the wages bill of �£24m a year by almost a third. ''Rangers will come through this period. I have absolutely no doubt about that. We are still good and strong anough to end up on top.'' declared Murray. "I am doing everything I can to ensure this club will be stronger in the long term, but I'm sorry I can't win matches as well. "Rangers won't be struggling to survive, Rangers will get through all of this with the proper care and decision making.There is no panic here. We are not immune to what is happening in the world today, but we can and will cope with it. "We are not in meltdown and I'd like Rangers fans to understand that. We know what we are doing and I repeat we can still come out on top after the transfer window has closed.'' Reflecting on the impending loss of top scorer Boyd and the furore the move has caused among supporters Murray explained it was a case of a buyer coming forward without invitation and did not mean Rangers could be classed as a selling club. "I'm disappointed we're doing what we are at the moment with Boyd but I say categorically we are not a selling club. ''We did not want to promote the sale of Boyd but had to consider it when offer was made In a perfect world we would not sell him but the offer was for him and no others have so far come in so it had to be considered ''You can't always get players out that you are willing to let go. You need buyers before you can become sellers "Over the past five years alone we've spent �£52m on players. You can add 10% more if you take in agents' fees and signing-on fees for the layers and we've taken in �£30.9m through selling players. "Even if Boyd does go this year we'd still be net sellers for the current year .Mendes, Davis, Edu, and Bougherra were all bought in for around �£11m after we got �£7.8 for Cuellar so again more has been spent than has come in. "The facts don't back up this notion that Rangers have somehow become a selling club. It's simply not the case.'' he added. "My message to the fans is, please believe me when I say I have the genuine interests of this club at heart. We will come through this. But at the same time we have to make sure we win matches and that's why I am sorry it looks as though Boyd is going."

It has been a few weeks since my last article. Christmas, New Year, birthdays, holidays and, of course, a tame Old Firm home defeat resulted in an enforced absence from the online forums for yours truly. There is only so much OTT criticism, anguish and upset that one can take when Rangers lose and I was depressed enough without the usual online debates spoiling my winter break. The rise in popularity of online forums and the strong debates contained within them is a fascinating topic though. The subject has provoked comment from a wide range of people: from journalists who mock them (yet take part in and host polemic radio phone-ins); to authority figures who have to deal with their email campaigns; all the way to Sir David Murray who has complained vocally several times now about their content – describing the content as offensive ‘bile’ as well as recently referring to the authors as ‘mice’. Funnily enough one understands his point of view to a degree. Some people are rather extreme in their opinions with their musings often flawed and unfair. Indeed, it could be argued the overall mood can be one of isolation, suspicion and paranoia. I myself find it easy to write something that afterwards I may find different to my true feelings. Forum posting (or article writing) can often be the ‘literal’ equivalent of jumping in with both feet so it is important to take a step back on occasion, have an extra breath and consider the whole issue before offering a view. Nonetheless, it is also unwarranted of journalists, authority figures and especially Murray to dismiss these places and/or generalise them and their users unfairly. After all we’re still fans of the club and the vast majority are honest and well-meaning in their opinions – even if frustration and negativity can cloud judgement from time to time. And this is where John Steinbeck and my questionable Standard Grade English Literature metaphors are relevant. It was in late November that Sir David Murray referred to some fans he’d met as mice. He felt that despite their criticisms on websites, they were quite different when in person. And to some extent he is right. I speak from personal experience of just how difficult it can be to work with someone like Murray. We’ve met now on several occasions and it certainly isn’t easy to justify one’s contrary position on certain issues to an intelligent, charismatic, successful businessman like the Rangers chairman. Far stronger-willed people than me have been left floundering by this man so of course caution is taken when formal debate takes place. Nevertheless, I’d also like to think Murray would concede these debates have been constructive in the past even if we may never agree on some of the issues. And that’s why his comments of last year were so disappointing. Sure, he may not get on personally with some fans but he must surely realise it is for the good of the club that supporter relations must be maintained at all times. More so in the face of current adversities. In the same interview Murray stated that he’d ‘been here for 15 per cent of the club's history and won 30 per cent of our trophies. Maybe they've overstayed their welcome.’ This comment really is quite incredible and does nothing to improve the problems which are obvious at our club. Of course he is entitled to point to his successes but to suggest the critics of the status quo (namely increasing debt, three years without a league win and constant attacks on our fans/club) are disloyal or should remove their support of the club is indefensible. Further, when one considers how he often refuses to defend our good name (and by association his) when we are slighted in the media; it makes these internal fights all the more galling. In the late 1930s shortly after the publication of ‘Of Mice and Men’, Steinbeck wrote that: “In every bit of honest writing in the world there is a base theme. Try to understand men, if you understand each other you will be kind to each other. Knowing a man well never leads to hate and nearly always leads to love. There are shorter means, many of them. There is writing promoting social change, writing punishing injustice, writing in celebration of heroism, but always that base theme. Try to understand each other.” These themes are all applicable to what is happening at Rangers. Despite his protestations, the ‘best laid schemes’ of Sir David Murray’s Rangers have ‘gang aft agley’. That’s not unreasonable criticism nor bile nor someone saying something they wouldn’t in person. It’s just a reasonable observation from looking at Murray’s overall 20 years in charge of the club. Yes, he deserves praise for the stats he quotes above but, of course, he also deserves criticism for the current situation. To conclude, I want to take this opportunity to wish Sir David Murray a Happy New Year. I also want to say that if he wants to talk ‘of mice and men’ then he doesn’t take umbrage at his critics’ views but accept the challenge, try to understand us better and know us well. Thus, let’s work together to address the club’s problems. That would be the action of a man. Using the media to join with them in dismissing our valid concerns without supplying credible means to debate our feedback isn’t. Indeed, such ill-conceived actions are that of one who enjoys cheese with their French wine.

This again from the eveningtimes. DJs quote at the very end sums him up for me, what a tosser!!! CELTIC and Rangers fans tend to blow things out of all proportion when their team loses an Old Firm game. And it is no surprise that many Gers supporters are predicting the title race is over after such a poor performance by their team at Ibrox on Saturday. But, believe me, it is not done and dusted yet. Seven points is not too great a gap to bridge by any means. There are a lot of games still to be played by both clubs and points to be dropped. Yet, Rangers must start to show some fight, a quality which I felt was totally lacking in their dire display against the Hoops, if they want to win the SPL this season. My old boss Jock Wallace used to tell me that you need a bit of fire in your belly. Well, what player in a light blue jersey had that hunger, that burning desire to win, at the weekend? What I found particularly alarming was the lack of fight Rangers displayed once they had fallen behind to the Scott McDonald goal. They just couldn't raise their game. That, for me, was the greatest disappointment. Walter Smith kept the players in the dressing room for a long, long time after the final whistle. I am sure a few of them left the stadium with a flea in their ear from Walter and his assistants Ally McCoist and Kenny McDowall. What they need to do now is react to this defeat in the same way that Celtic did when they were beaten 4-2 at Parkhead back in August and go on a decent winning run. That means picking up points both home and away. I don't think there is any need to change the favoured 4-4-2 formation or drop anybody from the side. But a few players really need to get their fingers out and show that they know what it means to play for the club. If they do, the situation Rangers find themselves in can definitely change. A few weeks ago when they fell seven points behind with a defeat to Hearts at Tynecastle everybody wrote them off. On Saturday, they could have reduced Celtic's lead to just one point with a win. As Walter has pointed out, though, there is now next to no margin for error. They maybe need to be more direct in the coming weeks and months and start to win ugly a bit more to keep up the pressure on their city rivals. Walter raised a few eyebrows by selecting Charlie Adam ahead of Aaron, DaMarcus Beasley, Kyle Lafferty, Lee McCulloch and Nacho Novo wide on the left. He has not been regularly involved in the first team squad in recent weeks and there has been speculation that he has been told he can leave Ibrox during the January transfer window. But he has a proven track record in the fixture and poses a real threat from dead ball situations. Plus, the manager sees all of his players in training and must have felt that Charlie was his best option. He is just one of several players who must have a long hard look at themselves and try to improve. No way is it adios for Novo NACHO Novo is the latest player to be linked with a move away from Rangers during the January transfer window after again being overlooked against Celtic on Saturday. But I am sure the little Spaniard, who came on as a late substitute at Ibrox, will be one of the last players Walter Smith will want to see leave. Despite Nacho's frustration at his lack of first- team starts this season, he is best utilised as an impact player. He can change the course of a game all by himself. There is a lot of dead wood in the Gers squad which Walter will be far more interested in getting rid of in the next month. I think getting a centre half in has to be Walter's priority. He has been linked with big Lee Wilkie up at Dundee United. That is a signing I, and I am sure a lot of Rangers fans, would welcome. http://www.eveningtimes.co.uk/sport/display.var.2478464.0.0.php